Craps, blackjack, roulette, slot machines. A poker tournament. Bingo, Plinko, Wheel of Fortune. Guests at Creative Community Living’s sixth annual Casino Night can play one or all of those games. Or they can snack, bid on silent auction items and mingle with friends and others from the community.
“We invite everyone to join us for a night of fun,” said Sharon Bird, president of Creative Community Living’s board of directors. “It is one way people can have fun and at the same time help those with disabilities enjoy a fuller life. The money we raise helps us provide the things some of our individuals can not afford.”
This year’s version of Casino Night will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Winfield Community Center. A western theme has been chosen so wear your boots and jeans if you wish. Play money will be used for all the games.
The grand prize is a week’s stay in a Pagosa Springs, Colo., condominium and $500 for trip expenses. Everyone who buys a ticket to Casino Night and is present at 10:30 for the drawing will be eligible to win.
Also, the Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel has donated a 2-night stay with breakfast, which will be given away with tickets to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
If poker is your game, please note that a tournament will be held this year. Sign up between 7 and 7:15, and play will begin by 7:30. A maximum of 40 people can participate. The winner will receive $2 million in play money to use in the live auction. Other amounts will also be awarded.
In 2007, prizes valued at approximately $8,000 were given away. Among the many items donated this year are a sterling silver bracelet made by Bob Finlay, four 10-pound boxes of Creekstone beef patties, a Piece of Cake cookie bouquet, an item of furniture made by Larry Moore, cinnamon rolls made by Ruthie Westfall, a salt crystal lamp, a sapphire and diamond necklace, a yard stone, Rubbermaid and Coleman products, a set of hand-stitched Americana tea towels, beauty products, a Kawasaki sander, and many tickets, gift baskets and certificates.
“I’m extremely grateful for businesses that make donations, individuals who make donations or purchase tickets, and those who volunteer their evening to be a dealer or help in another way,” Bird said. “Without them, our Casino Night would not be a success.”
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. They can be purchased at Meyer Hall and Dillons in Winfield and Sears in Arkansas City. For more information, call 221-9431.
CCL supports 135 men and women with developmental disabilities in Winfield, Arkansas City and El Dorado. Part of the money raised at Casino Night might be used for a group activity such as summer camp, a highlight of the year for many.
Most likely it will be used for individual needs such as wheelchair purchases or repairs, clothing, unmet medical expenses, recliners for those with limited mobility or even Christmas gifts for clients who would otherwise not receive one.
